Sarasota to Venice

Van Wezel Performing Arts Center

We are back on the water again after our six-week stay in Sarasota.  There is a lot to see and do in Sarasota.  We highly recommend the Ringling Circus Museum and Art Museum, the Van Wezel performing arts center, and Mote Marine Aquarium on Longboat Key.  Our favorite place is still Siesta Key Village and Siesta Key beach – they are incomparable and the very best example of paradise in Florida.  We also did a ton of socializing and visiting my Mom and had great time with Mary and Fred.   Carol’s sister Mary, and brother-in-law Fred loaned us a vehicle for the entire time we were in Sarasota and it made all the difference in the world being able to get around town.  A million thanks to them for their hospitality and generosity.

Fred and Mary at the St. Petersburg Art Festival

On Monday, Feb. 3 we departed Sarasota and cruised down the ICW past all the Sarasota landmarks we have seen from land; beautiful homes, beautiful waterways and a new point of view. Just a short 21 mile ride from north Sarasota Bay to the Venice inlet. Four bridges two we could cross under one 9 ft. high and the last bridge had a 14 ft. clearance. Venice inlet is very popular and a place we have enjoyed visiting by car several times a real old Florida place, where the locals play horseshoes in the sand.

A beautiful Florida day, 80 degrees, lots of sun and a light wind from the southeast. Traveling on the intracoastal between the barrier islands and the mainland is just great, protected water and lots of things to see, the land development, birds and dolphins.

Nice views of the Intracoastal

Arriving in Venice, we docked overnight at Crow’s Nest and quickly met 3 other looper boats and a sailboat, we had docktails visited each other’s boats and had dinner together. Tomorrow there will be more discussions and the opportunity to travel together.  

 

Passing Sarasota

Nice Boat and Nicer House

Crow's Nest at Venice Inlet